Category Archives: Susan Merrell

Namah’s no more: The rise and fall of a would-be dictator.

Posted on August 7, 2012 by

By Susan Merrell It’s known as the ‘Land of the Unexpected’ – a character-defining phrase worn as a badge of honour by Papua New Guineans. ‘Expect the unexpected’ is the catch-cry of the PNG Tourism Authority – but he didn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics in the Pig's Arms, Susan Merrell | Tagged , | 14 Comments

Dictators I Have Known – (PNG since August 2011.)

Posted on May 2, 2012 by

By Susan Merrell Hallo again, to all patrons of the Pig’s Arms.  I apologize for neglecting to do my part to keep the pub in material, whether informative, controversial, or just entertaining.  As my excuse: I have lately employed my … Continue reading →

Posted in Susan Merrell | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Moti’s Illegal Deportation

Posted on August 9, 2011 by

Story by Susan Merrell Aussies not aiding Solomon Islands to uphold the rule of law Canberra: In Australia’s High Court last week, Justice Heydon, one of seven judges hearing the appeal of former Attorney General Julian Moti, conceded that although … Continue reading →

Posted in Susan Merrell | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Welcome to PNG. Her name is Theresa. She Murdered Her Husband.

Posted on June 19, 2011 by

Story and Pictures by Susan Merrell Greetings from Papua New Guinea. As Air Nuigini flight PX2 came in for landing at Jacksons Airport in PNG’s capital Port Moresby the PNG national resplendent in his colourful striped beanie sitting behind me … Continue reading →

Posted in Susan Merrell | Tagged , | 11 Comments

Julia Gillard: Her Welsh political heritage.

Posted on November 9, 2010 by

By Susan Merrell Although I’ve never met our Prime Minister Julia Gillard, her background is so similar to my own that I think of her as ‘our Julia’. It’s how she would have been known to those closest to her … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics in the Pig's Arms, Susan Merrell | Tagged , , | 25 Comments

Razzle Dazzle ‘Em – at the Pig’s Arms, Susan Merrell

Posted on August 13, 2010 by

By Susan Merrell While you were watching this …… As I write, Australia is in the thrall of ‘Utegate’. It’s another ‘Ah ha! Gotcha!’ moment of which we are being served a regular diet. Malcolm Turnbull alleges that the Australian … Continue reading →

Posted in Susan Merrell | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Child-sex tourism legislation: either under-policed or abused.

Posted on May 31, 2010 by

By Susan Merrell Between the years 1994 when Australia’s child-sex tourism legislation was adopted and March 2009 when the latest charge under this legislation was laid there have been 30 arrests according to statistics provided by Childwise, Australia’s leading child … Continue reading →

Posted in Susan Merrell | 10 Comments

For Michael

Posted on April 30, 2010 by

By Susan Merrell. I was walking beside the harbour when I heard the news. It was a glorious day.  The sun was dancing on the water like a thousand diamonds. News like this ought to be banned on such a … Continue reading →

Posted in Susan Merrell | 12 Comments

Ditching Typhoid Mary for Five Days at the Fat Farm

Posted on March 18, 2010 by

Story and Photograph By Susan Merrell I live with a modern, male version of Typhoid Mary. What’s more, it’s not only one disease that’s his problem – bugs are attracted to him like moths to a flame.  For instance, how … Continue reading →

Posted in Ladies Lounge, Susan Merrell | 13 Comments

Home of the Brave. Land of the Free.

Posted on February 13, 2010 by

By Susan Merrell It was a year ago, almost to the day that I first travelled to the United States.  It was President’s Day weekend (third Monday in February) when the plane landed in Los Angeles. It was the first … Continue reading →

Posted in Susan Merrell, The Public Bar, Travels | 20 Comments